What is the best and most effective method of treating gingivitis and periodontitis, and what gum care is required? Gum bleeding during tooth brushing, or redness and swelling, are symptoms of periodontal disease.
What is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is a mild form of periodontal disease with characteristic symptoms such as inflammation, redness, and bleeding gums during tooth brushing. These early signs can develop into a serious problem if not treated properly.
At the first signs of gum discomfort, frequent bleeding, bad breath, or the appearance of spots, it is necessary to take measures to stop and treat oral health issues.
What is Periodontitis?
Periodontitis is the inflammation and destruction of the periodontal tissues that surround the tooth. It develops as a result of untreated gum infection, affecting the soft tissues and potentially destroying the bone that supports the teeth, which may lead to tooth loss.
As with gingivitis, the most characteristic symptoms of periodontitis are bleeding, inflammation, redness, and gum recession. Over time, if left untreated, the disease progresses and leads to spaces between the teeth and tooth mobility – signs of advanced periodontitis.
Gum Recession
The main function of the gums is to support and protect the teeth. A portion of these soft tissues may be lost, causing gum recession. Gum recession is not only an aesthetic issue but also a health problem if linked to periodontal disease or lifestyle factors.
Gum recession is quite common and has different treatment options depending on the severity of each case. In mild cases, simple cleaning can restore much of the lost tissue. In more severe cases, surgical intervention may be the only solution.
What Causes White Spots on the Gums?
The color of the gums is an indicator of oral health. When gums change from pink to more reddish or whitish, it is often associated with different conditions.
White spots may be caused by:
• accumulation of bacterial plaque;
• fungal or candidiasis infection;
• iron deficiency anemia.
Each condition requires its own treatment.
How Do Gum Problems Lead to Tooth Loss?
One of the biggest risks of gum disease is tooth loss. Periodontitis is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, as the infection reaches the bone and ligaments that support the tooth.
Over time, due to untreated gingivitis, teeth become loose and eventually cannot be saved. For this reason, it is extremely important to detect and treat gum problems early.
Gum Inflammation During Pregnancy
Gestational gingivitis is a common problem among pregnant women. In most cases, it develops from pre-existing gum issues that worsen due to hormonal changes.
Bleeding gums during pregnancy should be treated properly with thorough tooth cleaning to minimize the risk of infection.
How to Know if You Have Gum Problems?
Healthy gums have a uniform pink color. They should cover the entire tooth root, be firm, and show no signs of bleeding. When disease develops, the gums change completely: they become swollen, reddish or whitish, and bleed easily.
Gum recession is another symptom of gingivitis or periodontitis that should be treated as early as possible.
How is Periodontitis Treated?
There are several methods of periodontal treatment. The one that suits you best depends on the severity of the disease and other factors, including:
• your general health condition;
• smoking habits;
• previous treatments;
• oral hygiene practices.
People with very early-stage periodontitis (gingivitis) can eliminate the condition with regular brushing and improved oral hygiene.
Since there is no bone loss yet, this conservative approach removes harmful bacteria from the mouth before the disease progresses.
Proper oral hygiene includes:
• brushing your teeth two to three times a day;
• regular dental visits for check-ups and cleanings;
• professional dental cleanings.
People with periodontitis are advised to use soft-bristled toothbrushes.
Surgical Cleaning of Periodontal Pockets
Patients with moderate to severe gum disease may require periodontal pocket curettage. The goal of this procedure is to remove plaque and tartar located deep under the gums. During the procedure, the periodontist makes an incision in the gums, lifts them away from the tooth roots, removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria, and smooths rough root surfaces.
Afterward, the gums are repositioned and sutured. Periodontists often combine surgical pocket reduction with other regenerative procedures, such as bone grafting, gum grafting, or guided tissue regeneration.
LANAP
This procedure treats periodontitis using a handheld laser. The laser targets diseased gum tissue while leaving healthy tissue unaffected. LANAP is a less invasive alternative to traditional pocket reduction surgery.
Prevention
Can periodontal disease be prevented? Yes, in most cases you can prevent gum disease with consistent and proper oral hygiene.
Some people are more prone to gum disease due to genetics or other conditions. In such cases, more frequent professional dental cleanings may be necessary.
To reduce the risk of gum disease:
• brush your teeth two to three times daily;
• floss between teeth every day;
• use an antibacterial mouthwash;
• avoid smoking and tobacco products;
• visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.
When to See a Dentist
If you experience gum bleeding, sensitivity, or swelling, you should visit your dentist as soon as possible. Early detection is key. If more than a regular cleaning is needed, your dentist will recommend appropriate treatment.
If left untreated, gum disease can negatively affect both your oral and overall health. Infection can spread to other areas of the mouth and body, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
If your gums are swollen, sensitive, or bleeding, inform your dentist. They can help eliminate the infection and restore healthy teeth and gums.
At YAREMA DENTAL Clinic, we have expert knowledge in treating gum disease. We will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your case.